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Shell stitch

Rows of fan shapes: 5 dc worked into one stitch, anchored by a sc on each side; the next row puts its shells between the shells below. Several tall stitches in the same stitch spread out into a fan; skipping 2 stitches either side keeps the stitch count even.

What you work it with

Crochet · Tools: A hook for the yarn; smooth yarn shows the shells best.

Symbol chart

One or two repeats of the stitch pattern, in standard crochet symbols.
1234Chain (ch)Single crochet (sc)Double crochet (dc)Read from the bottom: each row starts at its number, with its turning chain.

Steps

  1. Chain a multiple of 6 plus
  2. Row 1: sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, *skip 2 ch, 5 dc in the next ch, skip 2 ch, sc in the next ch*; repeat.
  3. Row 2: ch 3, 2 dc in the first sc (half shell), *sc in the centre dc of the next shell, 5 dc in the next sc*; end with 3 dc in the last sc.
  4. Row 3: ch 1, sc in the first dc, *5 dc in the next sc, sc in the centre dc of the next shell*; end with sc in the top of the turning chain.
  5. Repeat rows 2–3.

The full card

What it looks like
Rows of fan shapes: 5 dc worked into one stitch, anchored by a sc on each side; the next row puts its shells between the shells below.
How it behaves
Lacy but solid, with a scalloped edge at the top and bottom; drapes well.
How it works
Several tall stitches in the same stitch spread out into a fan; skipping 2 stitches either side keeps the stitch count even.
Tools
A hook for the yarn; smooth yarn shows the shells best.
Parameters
Base chain: a multiple of 6 plus 2 (one shell + sc = 6 stitches). Half shells (3 dc) at the row ends keep the edges straight.
Steps
1) Chain a multiple of 6 plus 2. 2) Row 1: sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, *skip 2 ch, 5 dc in the next ch, skip 2 ch, sc in the next ch*; repeat. 3) Row 2: ch 3, 2 dc in the first sc (half shell), *sc in the centre dc of the next shell, 5 dc in the next sc*; end with 3 dc in the last sc. 4) Row 3: ch 1, sc in the first dc, *5 dc in the next sc, sc in the centre dc of the next shell*; end with sc in the top of the turning chain. 5) Repeat rows 2–3.
Charting
Each fan of dc symbols stands for 5 dc worked into one stitch; on the chart they sit side by side in the cells they cover. Rows alternate direction; a row that starts with a dc has a 3-ch turning chain.
Limits and common problems
Shells that do not line up: the count of skipped stitches is off; count each repeat. Wavy edges without the half shells.
Combines with
Double crochet, Granny square, Crab stitch edge (reverse single crochet)
Pieces and assembly
Blankets, shawls, scalloped edgings on knitted or crocheted pieces.

Written in our own words from machine manuals, knitting references and swatching. Knit a test swatch before a whole piece.

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